South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Project

The south Florida ecosystem, also called the greater everglades ecosystem, stretches from Orlando, through the Kissimmee Valley, Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, through Florida Bay and through the Florida Keys coral reef tract. The south Florida ecosystem encompasses many nationally significant conservation areas, including Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, Big Cypress National Preserve, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Today, the south Florida ecosystem is a shell of what it used to be. Signs within Florida Bay include extremely high salinity, large algae blooms and expanses of dead seagrass. The current condition of Florida Bay is the result of greater environmental problems occurring throughout the entire south Florida ecosystem.

Over the past 50 years the south Florida ecosystem has been seriously degraded by disruptions to the natural hydrology. Large areas have been greatly altered by engineered flood control and water distribution for agriculture and urban development. Continuing development and an influx of people has further stressed the system. Simply stated, the altering of the natural system has affected the quantity, timing and distribution of water flow in south Florida.

The environmental problems occurring throughout the south Florida ecosystem have drawn attention from local state and national agencies, resulting in the congressionally mandated Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The Comprehensive plan will cost 8 billion dollars, take over 20 years to accomplish and includes over 60 components that will "get the water right" by addressing the issues of water quality, quantity, timing and distribution. Six federal departments, seven Florida State agencies, sixteen counties, two American Indian tribes, businesses and interest groups are participating in this restoration effort. All agree that the restoration of the south Florida ecosystem is key to a long-term sustainable Florida economy.

The top 10 reasons why we should restore south Florida:

Approximately 70% less water flows through the ecosystem today.

The timing, distribution and quantity of fresh water is not natural.

The quality of water has been severely degraded.

Lake Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake wholly in the U.S., is threatened.

There is not enough water for people and we could continue to see more frequent water shortages.

Degraded water quality in estuaries and bays. These areas are critical homes and nurseries to many fish and wildlife.